The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has announced that the student application for the new PA Student Teacher Support Program is now available on http://www.pheaa.org/StudentTeacher.

The PA Student Teacher Support Program is designed to address the financial strain caused by student teaching requirements, incentivize completion at local education agencies and non-public schools that struggle to attract educators, reduce teacher shortages in Pennsylvania, and incentivize cooperating teacher participation. Student teachers may face financial challenges, as they often forgo income while incurring additional expenses such as transportation and professional attire.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law Act 33 of 2023, establishing the $10 million PA Student Teacher Support Program, which provides $10,000 to eligible student teachers. There is an option to receive an additional $5,000 for student teachers in high-need areas. The program also provides up to $2,500 to cooperating teachers who will be working with and mentoring student teachers throughout the student teacher experience. Program recipients must commit to teaching in Pennsylvania for three years following the completion of their teaching certification.

PHEAA is administrating the program for the commonwealth. The application, along with additional program information, can be found at the aforementioned website.

Pennsylvania student teachers who will be student teachers in the fall and spring semesters of the 2024-25 academic year are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Eligible student teachers will need to download or print the PDF application located at the previously mentioned website. Completed applications can be submitted via the PHEAA Account Access Portal, email, or fax. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis per term basis.

For more information, visit the aforementioned website.